The Honda ZR-V marks Honda’s return to the Larger SUV space in India. Positioned above the Elevate, the ZR-V combines Honda’s strong-hybrid technology with cross-over styling and a relatively decent cabin. While its CBU pricing places it in a niche segment, the SUV showcases Honda’s future direction for up-market hybrid vehicles. We recently drove the Honda ZR-V to find out whether it delivers the premium driving experience , that is expected from a global SUV.
Exterior
The Honda ZR-V adopts a sleek crossover design that stands apart from traditional boxy SUVs. Up front, the large gloss-black grille, inspired by Maserati’s signature styling, dominates the fascia and gives the SUV a rather upmarket appearance. Honda has also integrated functional air curtains into the front bumper, helping improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Honda has equipped the ZR-V with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, rear disc brakes, a shark fin antenna, and a 360-degree camera. Unlike many rivals in this price bracket, the ZR-V skips front fog lamps and does not offer a sunroof which is highly disappointing from an SUV of this price and segment. While some buyers may miss these features, the lack of a sunroof makes it seem highly overpriced.
Unlike many SUVs that rely on excessive chrome, the ZR-V keeps its styling simple. The result is a rather subtle design that should age well over the years, which can be said for most honda cars currently sold in India.
Interior
The cabin follows Honda’s familiar minimalist approach. An all-black dashboard and upholstery is presented inside, while the build quality feels solid throughout. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use but looks dated. The screen pairs with a 12-speaker Bose sound system that delivers an impressive audio experience, along with a 10.2-inch gauge cluster.
The front seats are among the highlights of the cabin. They offer excellent comfort and support during long drives. Both front seats receive electric adjustment, while the driver’s seat also gets a memory function for added convenience.
Rear-seat space is generous. Legroom, headroom, and shoulder room remain comfortable for adult passengers. However, the under-thigh support could have been better for longer journeys. The ZR-V also offers a 380-litre boot, which expands to 1,313 litres after folding the rear seats in a 60:40 split. An electric tailgate further improves everyday usability.
One noticeable omission is seat ventilation, especially considering the SUV’s premium positioning in the Indian market, the ZRV should have come equipped with the feature for added comfort.
Engine & Performance
The Honda ZR-V uses a 2.0-litre strong-hybrid powertrain that produces a combined 184 PS and 315 NM of torque. The system switches between series and parallel hybrid modes depending on driving conditions, allowing the SUV to balance performance and efficiency without any driver intervention.
The e-CVT gearbox feels surprisingly responsive. Unlike conventional CVTs, it delivers smooth acceleration with very little delay. In Sport mode, both the petrol engine and electric motor work together more aggressively, producing strong and linear acceleration whenever you press the throttle.
The hybrid setup feels particularly refined during city driving. At the same time, it offers enough performance to make highway overtakes effortless.
Ride & Handling
Honda has tuned the ZR-V to deliver a balanced driving experience. During our slalom test, the SUV changed direction confidently without feeling unsettled. The steering gains weight naturally as speeds increase and provides enough feedback to inspire confidence.
The low centre of gravity, thanks to the hybrid battery placement, helps reduce body roll through corners. As a result, the ZR-V feels composed on winding roads while maintaining the comfortable ride quality expected from a premium family SUV.
Safety
Honda equips the ZR-V with a comprehensive safety package. The SUV comes with a 360-degree camera and Honda Sensing ADAS, offering features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking, and Road Departure Mitigation. Multiple airbags, rear disc brakes, and Honda’s strong body structure further enhance occupant protection.
Price In India
The Honda ZR-V has launched at 47.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and it is launched as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) in India. At this price, it enters the luxury SUV segment and competes against several established luxury offerings.
This vehicle is overpriced, considering that it is only slightly larger than a Kia Seltos. Honda has overpriced this vehicle by a significant margin added to the fact that it has basic features missing such as atleast a single pane sunroof and front ventilated seats.
Verdict
The Honda ZR-V is less about chasing sales numbers and more about showcasing Honda’s engineering capabilities. It combines a strong-hybrid powertrain, confident handling, strong build quality, and excellent driving manners into one sophisticated package. The SUV feels effortless to drive, especially in city traffic, while remaining composed on highways and twisty roads.
Its biggest drawback is the pricing. As a CBU import at 48 lakhs, the ZR-V will remain out of reach for many buyers and the lack of features is disappointing. However, it also hints at what Honda could achieve if it introduces a locally assembled strong-hybrid SUV in the future. A similar product priced around the ₹25 lakh mark could become a serious contender in India’s growing premium SUV segment. Yet for now, the Honda ZR-V is significantly overpriced.
